There isn’t a greater team player in the NBA than the Knicks’ Ronnie Brewer, his former Bulls teammates will attest.

That will be put to the test soon if the slumping Brewer’s role changes as expected when Iman Shumpert returns to the lineup. Shumpert, who underwent offseason knee surgery, is edging closer to his season debut and could be cleared for practice after the Knicks return from their West Coast trip.

The way Brewer is bricking it, Shumpert should slide easily into the starting lineup in the Knicks’ three-guard alignment that has featured Brewer with Raymond Felton and Jason Kidd.

Shump coming back makes the perimeter game weaker if he hasn't learn to shoot. Discuss

He can't be worse than Brewer. He's giving us nothing anymore. That being said, don't rush the kid back. Bring him back when he's 100%. Shumpert is an investment. At full strength he's one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA already.